Why can the findings from the OCD psychoeducation study not be generalized to the wider population?

The findings from the OCD psychoeducation study cannot be generalized to the wider population primarily because the sample size was small. A small sample size limits the ability to reliably infer that the results are applicable to a larger population. In research, a larger sample size enhances the representativeness of the sample, allowing for more robust generalizations and increasing the statistical power of the findings.

Small samples can lead to results that are more susceptible to random variation and may not accurately reflect the characteristics or behaviors of the broader population. As a consequence, while the study might show certain trends or effects within the small group studied, those outcomes may not necessarily hold true for individuals outside of that group.

In contrast, if the sample size had been sufficiently large, the researchers would have better prospects for applying their findings more broadly, enhancing the study's external validity.